The Seasiders responded and visiting keeper Craig Gordon was forced to make fine stops to deny both Luke Varney and the ever-inspirational and
much-wanted Adam.

Varney should have scored after being sent through one-on-one by Adam and then Adam saw his 20-yard shot tipped over by the Scotland international keeper.

But Sunderland added to their lead 10 minutes before the break when Richardson raced forward, anticipated an inviting pass from Malbranque and fired a low first-time shot past Richard Kingson at the near post.

The classy Adam, who was demonstrating exactly why Liverpool are interested in luring him to Anfield, again went close for the hosts with a long-range strike - this time a curling free-kick that Gordon pushed away acrobatically.

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Bruce praises players' response to adversity

Blackpool upped the tempo after the break and despite an injury to Kingson which forced boss Ian Holloway to bring on Paul Rachubka, they started to get on top.

Adam had yet another attempt saved by Gordon and substitute Marlon Harewood sent a low strike just wide.

Finally Adam did find the net from the spot after Vaughan was felled by Onuoha, but despite six minutes of injury-time, Sunderland held firm.

75:43 Cross by Matt Phillips (Blackpool), blocked by Jack Colback (Sunderland). Pass corner from right by-line taken by Charlie
Adam (Blackpool) to short, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).

75:05 Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).

73:53 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).

73:39 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).

73:29 Cross by Matt Phillips (Blackpool), resulting in open play.

72:26 Foul by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) on Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland)
from own half, resulting in open play.

68:32 Cross by Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland), resulting in open play. Shot by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) right-footed from centre
of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool). Foul by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool)
on Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Titus Bramble (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open
play.

48:39 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) to centre, clearance by Neal Eardley
(Blackpool). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) to near post, resulting
in open play.

29:01 Shot by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (parried) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland). Inswinging
corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play. Goal
kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).

6:12 Foul by David Vaughan (Blackpool) on Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland)
from own half, resulting in open play.

5:46 Handball by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Ian Evatt (Blackpool) from left channel, resulting
in open play.

5:13 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Crainey (Blackpool).

4:03 Foul by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) on Elliot Grandin (Blackpool). Free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool)
from right wing, resulting in open play. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).

3:57 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).

3:25 Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).

3:02 Attacking throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).

2:36 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).

1:16 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) to far post, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken short by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).

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